AssisTech Foundation Announces 6th ATF Awards 2026

Bengaluru, September 3, 2026: AssisTech Foundation (ATF) has announced the 6th edition of the ATF Awards 2026, inviting Assistive Technology (AT) startups and ecosystem organisations to participate in the national awards recognising solutions and initiatives aimed at improving inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Applications opened on September 1, 2026, and will remain open until September 21, 2026. The winners will be announced at the ATF Awards ceremony scheduled for December 1, 2026, in Bengaluru.

The awards recognise startups and organisations working to improve learning, livelihoods and independent living for PwDs through Assistive Technology. Alongside technology developers, the platform also recognises ecosystem stakeholders including government institutions, corporates, CSR organisations, investors, educational institutions and NGOs involved in supporting the development and adoption of AT solutions.

Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation, said, “For the last five years, the ATF Awards have always been about recognising the people who are solving problems that often remain invisible to the mainstream innovation ecosystem. AT needs more than good ideas. It needs investment, research, policy support, partnerships and access to the communities it is intended to serve. Through the 6th Edition of the ATF Awards, we want to bring these innovators and enablers into the spotlight and create opportunities for their work to be recognised, connected and scaled.”

The 2026 awards will cover three broad segments—Emerging Startups, Established Startups and Enablers—with a total of 10 awards. Categories include recognition for innovation, impactful and established AT startups, women-led innovation, as well as NGOs, government and educational institutions, CSR initiatives and investors.

After applications close, entries will go through screening and evaluation, followed by jury assessment and selection of finalists. ATF said the finalists are expected to be announced in the first week of November.

The 2025 edition received more than 100 startup applications from 15 cities, with solutions covering 15 types of disabilities. More than 8,000 people participated in the People’s Choice voting process, while over 50 applications were received from ecosystem enablers.

The 2026 edition is intended to build further visibility for Assistive Technology within India’s innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for innovators and organisations working on accessibility and inclusion.